The applicants will have the opportunity to compete for:

• The possibility to realize substantial investments in training equipment and training facilities at vocational training institutes and encourage the introduction of new technologies;
• Support the development of cooperative training methods to address human resource shortages effectively and strategically approach capacity building and Improve employability of trainees/VET graduates and their integration into the labour market;
• Increase productivity and competitiveness of local enterprises as a result of successfully implemented cooperative training programmes.

The Third call for expressions of interest will be open until July 7th, 2023, at 23:59. The call is published simultaneously in the six Western Balkan economies: Albania, Bosnia and Hercegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia. The RCF invites applications from all six economies and all economic sectors.

The expressions of interest can be submitted by VET consortia formed of vocational training institutes and a minimum of two enterprises per CT programme, jointly engaging in the provision of cooperative VET. Consortia, led by vocational training institutes implementing cooperative or dual VET programmes that lead to nationally recognised certificates in one of the WB6 economies, can apply. 

The application process for RCF funding has two stages. Applying consortia submit expressions of interest and supporting documents in the first stage. In the second stage, shortlisted consortia will be invited to submit the full application, including the project proposal and the detailed elaboration of the planned investment.

More information on the eligibility of the applicants, actions, costs, application procedures to follow, and other issues of relevance could be found in the Guidelines for the Third Call for the Expressions of Interests available here. The schedule of the upcoming online info sessions can be found here.